22 Feb 2016

Limavady on the brink of glory

After hard fought wins over Coláiste Ailigh Letterkenny and Carrickmore's Dean Maguirc, Tuesday evening is a fantastic occasion for St Mary's Limavady as they travel to Garvaghey for their first ever Ward Cup Final.

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St Mary's Limavady - 2016 Ward Cup FinalistsPic by NWPRESSPICS

With Harry McLaughlin leading the defence from full back, Faughanvale's Conor McGuinness giving cover at centre back and the energetic Derry minor Martin McGonigle providing the spark in the middle of the field, St Mary's have a strong backbone.

It's unlikely they'll have Callum Brown available as he has failed to recover from a injury sustained on a recent ski trip. The Limavady youngster will be a huge loss to Chrissy McKaigue but so far the Derry captain has got the best out of his panel of players.

Their scoring options come from wing back Paddy O'Kane, Curtis O'Hara and top scorer Oisin Hassan, with Hassan's breath-taking winner clinching their (0-9 to 1-5) win over Carrickmore in the semi-final.

Slaughtneil have proved very difficult to beat over the past few years and McKaigue has taken this mentality into management, with both games so far going right to the wire. McKaigue paid tribute to this squad ahead of Tuesday's final.

"Until this year St Mary's had never won more than one game in the Ward Cup. It's great for the area and the clubs from the surrounding area."

One of the main reasons for entering the Ulster Colleges competitions was to get more games. "They don't get much exposure to these types of games or occasions so the players are doing their respective clubs proud."

It's a great occasion for the school and there will be scenes of celebration if the Derry men can finish their Ulster campaign as champions.